Early intervention (EI) is the process of providing services and support to infants, toddlers, and their families when a child has, or is at risk for, a developmental delay, disability, or health condition that may affect typical development and learning.
The earlier that services are delivered, the more likely children are to develop effective communication, language, and swallowing skills and achieve successful learning outcomes.
Early Intervention
Early intervention (EI) is the process of providing services and support to infants, toddlers, and their families when a child has, or is at risk for, a developmental delay, disability, or health condition that may affect typical development and learning.
The earlier that services are delivered, the more likely children are to develop effective communication, language, and swallowing skills and achieve successful learning outcomes.
My Unique Approach
The defining difference between the Early Intervention program and services provided by T’SLP is the direct hands-on therapy that is provided in a controlled, structured setting with availability to products, resources, and tools designed for birth to 3 population. Examples include: Therapy grade cups and bottles, breastfeeding support devices such as boppy pillows, swaddling blankets, variety of supports for proper positioning in seats/ highchairs.
The other big difference is me. I am highly trained and qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and assess each patient. I educate the family on their child’s current level of functioning and also assess the parent’s routines & habits while feeding and interacting with the child. I am then able to give them feedback on “what is going on” or “why there is difficulty” then provide them with tools to change the outcome. I’m able to observe the new routine and see how the child progresses.
Benefits of Early Intervention
- Early Intervention can be effective in helping the majority of children make progress toward achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones. Children receiving Early Intervention support may show potential for increased academic readiness and to better be able to interact with their peers.
- As a parent, you are your child’s primary teacher. Through Early Intervention services, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to help your child through their developmental challenges, so that they may reach their full potential.
- Early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment, reduction in delinquency and criminality, and improved labor market success, among other domains.
- One of the most helpful benefits of early intervention is that the majority of the children who undergo this practice will find that they can easily catch up to developmental milestones. And with continuous progress, they become more confident and are better prepared to tackle academic challenges in school.
Benefits of Early Intervention
- Early Intervention can be effective in helping the majority of children make progress toward achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones. Children receiving Early Intervention support may show potential for increased academic readiness and to better be able to interact with their peers.
- As a parent, you are your child’s primary teacher. Through Early Intervention services, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to help your child through their developmental challenges, so that they may reach their full potential.
- Early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment, reduction in delinquency and criminality, and improved labor market success, among other domains.
- One of the most helpful benefits of early intervention is that the majority of the children who undergo this practice will find that they can easily catch up to developmental milestones. And with continuous progress, they become more confident and are better prepared to tackle academic challenges in school.
FAQs
What is the goal with Early Intervention?
The goal of EI is to lessen the effects of a disability or delay by addressing identified needs of young children across five developmental areas:
- Cognitive development
- Communication development
- Physical development, including vision and hearing
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004)
Who is eligible for early intervention?
Early intervention is intended for infants and toddlers who have a developmental delay or disability. Eligibility is determined by evaluating the child to see if the little one does, in fact, have a delay in development or a disability. Eligible children can receive early intervention services from birth through the third birthday (and sometimes beyond).
What’s a developmental delay?
The term “developmental delay” is an important one in early intervention. Broadly speaking, it means that a child is delayed in some area of development. There are five areas in which development may be affected:
- Cognitive development
- Physical development, including vision and hearing
- Communication development
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development
When should you consider Early Intervention?
There are several “signs” that a child may need ECI services, including:
- If a baby was premature and weighed less than 3 1/2 pounds.
- If a child is 3 months old and cannot follow objects with eyes; grasp rattles or hair, or respond to loud noises.
- If a child is 6 months old and cannot roll over (both ways); sit with minimum support; or babble.
- If a child is 12 months old and cannot say 1 to 2 words; crawl on hands and knees, or pull up to a standing position.
- If a child is 18 months old and cannot step off low objects and keep balance; follow simple directions, and feed him or herself sometimes.
- If a child is 2 years old and cannot use 2 to 3-word sentences; identify hair, eyes, and nose; or run short distances without falling.
How long does it take before I see progress?
It truly depends on the quality of intervention and carryover from you as a caregiver. Hours can range from one hour monthly to twenty weekly hours, but a child’s progress has more to do with caregivers’ participation than their natural brainpower. Parental effect is key to maximizing a child’s chance to progress.
Reaching out is the first step toward change, go you!
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